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What is Air IGM? A guide to track Air IGM status

Air IGM is a legal document presented to customs authorities by an airline on the arrival of goods into a country. Learn more about it in the blog.
Air Import General Manifest (Air IGM) is an important legal document filed by airlines or representatives that notifies authorities about the impending arrival of an air cargo shipment. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) offers a range of e-services to exporters and importers via the Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE). This includes the Air IGM enquiry, a tracker that enables carriers and importers to access IGM details about shipments. Keeping track of Air IGM can ensure goods move easily between countries and prevent unexpected delays in custom clearances. In this blog post, we will discuss what AIR IGM is, its importance, and how to check its status online.
What is Air Import General Manifest (Air IGM)?
Air Import General Manifest, or Air IGM, is a legal document presented to customs authorities by an airline or its representative (such as a freight forwarder) on the arrival of goods into a country. It is a compilation listing all items on a certain flight, along with a full description of the shipper, consignee, and nature and quantity of the goods.

The primary function of the Air IGM is to inform customs about incoming shipments, enabling them to verify the specifics of each consignment. Importers must be certain that the cargo on the IGM lists is accurate to prevent any delays. Penalties may be imposed for submitting an Air IGM after the deadline or for providing false information, which may delay the clearance process.

Importance of Air IGM tracking

Tracking your Air IGM status is crucial for several reasons. Some of these are as follows:

1. Get updates in real-time

You can monitor your shipment’s progress at all times, giving you more control over your supply chain.

2. Prevent delays

Keeping an eye on your Air IGM status helps you spot potential problems early, preventing them from turning into expensive delays.

3. Ensure compliance

Regular tracking helps you keep all essential documentation up to date, ensuring compliance with customs regulations.

4. Provide enhanced customer service

By tracking your shipment’s progress, you can provide customers with timely updates about their orders, fostering trust and increasing satisfaction.2
Efficient Air IGM tracking can streamline the entry of your goods into the destination country, facilitating better logistics management and helping you achieve your business goals.

How to check Air IGM status online?

ICEGATE is the national portal of the CBIC that provides e-services to exporters and importers. Exporters can track their Air IGM status online through ICEGATE. Here’s a step-by-step guide to assist you in tracking your Air IGM on ICEGATE:
  • Step 1:
    Visit the ICEGATE website:
    Visit the ICEGATE website and navigate to ‘Tracking at ICES’.
  • Step 2:
    Select the Air IGM tracking option:
    Select ‘Air IGM Enquiry’. This will launch the webpage for tracking Air IGM.
  • Step 3:
    Enter details for tracking:
    On the Air IGM tracking page, you will be required to enter the following details:
    ○ Location
    ○ AWB number
  • Step 4:
    Check Air IGM status:
    Once all required data has been entered, click "submit" to view the status of your Air IGM. The portal will provide the details, along with the consignment's status, for every listed consignment. If there are any problems, such as missing or erroneous documentation, it will be highlighted for your notice, allowing you to take immediate corrective action.
  • Step 5:
    Resolve issues (if necessary):
    If you come across any discrepancies while checking your Air IGM status reach out to the airline or customs broker responsible for filing the IGM. You can raise a ticket or query through the ICEGATE portal as well.
  • Conclusion

    Tracking Air IGM is essential to guarantee the smooth passage of air cargo and avoid interruptions in international trade. By utilizing tools such as ICEGATE, importers can expedite customs procedures, keep an eye on the status of shipments in real-time, and handle problems quickly. This preserves the efficiency of supply networks while simultaneously saving time and money. For more support with compliance and documentation, e-commerce exporters can leverage the tools and services offered by e-commerce export programs like Amazon Global Selling.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Who files Air IGM?
    The responsibility of filing Air IGM lies with the airline or the freight forwarder managing the cargo. This document must be submitted to customs authorities as soon as the flight carrying the cargo arrives in the country.
    2. How to get a copy of Air IGM?
    Importers or their representatives can request a copy of the Air IGM directly from the airline or freight forwarder that filed the document. In some cases, a copy may also be available through an Air IGM status enquiry on the ICEGATE portal.
    Published on November 29, 2024.

    Sources:

    1. https://www.shiprocket.in/blog/air-igm/#:~:text=Air%20IGM%2C%20or%20Import%20General,data%20from%20the%20airway%20bill.
    2. https://www.cargoflash.com/blog/The_Importance_of_Track_and_Trace_Technology_in_the_Air_Cargo_Shipments
    3. https://enquiry.icegate.gov.in/enquiryatices/airIgmEntry
    4. https://enquiry.icegate.gov.in/enquiryatices/index.jsp

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